Legionnaires who recruit 50 or more new members (transfers do not count as new members) into The American Legion by the May target date will qualify for enrollment in The American Legion's elite Gold Brigade. These Legionnaires will be awarded unique gifts that designate affiliation with the Gold Brigade of The American Legion. The gifts awarded to a Gold Brigader will depend on the number of times he/she has qualified for this award.

First time Gold Brigade members will receive a Gold Brigade patch, a special Gold Brigade cap pin, a Gold Brigade certificate, and a designer jacket or polo shirt or sweater with a Gold Brigade logo.

Second time (or more) Gold Brigaders will receive a Gold Brigade patch and certificate, a hash mark for a jacket sleeve, and a designer jacket or polo shirt or sweater with a Gold Brigade logo.

Keep bringing in 50 or more new members each year and the honors continue. A Gold Brigader who has won the award for five consecutive years is eligible for a distinctive Gold Brigade blazer. A Legionnaire may only qualify once every five years.

And a Gold Brigader who has earned the award for at least six consecutive years or more is eligible for a $150 check and a Legion cap with the inscription "Master Recruiter."

Those Legionnaires who recruit 25-49 new members into the Legion by the May target date will qualify for the Silver Brigade Award. A silver pin and certificate will be awarded.

Silver Brigade and Gold Brigade awards cannot both be awarded to a recruiter during the same membership year.

Department adjutants must have all Gold and Silver Brigade certification forms, located on pages 24-27 of the Membership Awards Manual, to National Headquarters by the last day of May. Forms are available here[2].